New This Week: 3 Kitchens That Pull Off Neat Storage Tricks
These spaces feature components that conceal, hide and tuck away to save space and reduce visual clutter
Storage isn’t just about finding a good spot for something. Sometimes it’s about freeing up additional space or visually concealing something you don’t want to see. These three kitchens show how a little clever thinking can maximize a space.
Other special features: The backsplash above the range features a Celtic design of laser-cut strips of Carrara and Calacatta marble, high polished, with a three-quarter-inch pencil-edge border. Behind the rolling counter, a peekaboo window overlooks the family room.
Also on the team: Kon-strux Developments (construction); Rob Moroto (photographer)
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Also on the team: Kon-strux Developments (construction); Rob Moroto (photographer)
See more of this home
2. Mobile and Multifunctional Island
Designer: Jamie Crawley of HA Architecture
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request: A full kitchen inside a 550-square-foot home that capitalizes on natural light and views of a large heritage tree.
Storage trick: Mobile island with folding step stool to reach upper cabinets. Stackable stools provide extra seating without taking up too much space.
Designer: Jamie Crawley of HA Architecture
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request: A full kitchen inside a 550-square-foot home that capitalizes on natural light and views of a large heritage tree.
Storage trick: Mobile island with folding step stool to reach upper cabinets. Stackable stools provide extra seating without taking up too much space.
Other special features: Wood floors running lengthwise to visually elongate the space. Large energy-efficient windows capture treetop views.
Designer secret: “In this case, positioning two large windows on the front corner of the space, floor to ceiling, might have been a risky move, but it made the eat-in kitchen feel more like a balcony in a treehouse, and the natural light truly makes the space feel very comfortable, inviting and a lot bigger than 550 square feet,” says architect Jamie Crawley.
Also on the team: Creative Custom Cabinets; Leonid Furmansky (photography); Paul Martin (structural engineer)
Island: modified Ikea; stools: Ikea; lighting: West Elm
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Designer secret: “In this case, positioning two large windows on the front corner of the space, floor to ceiling, might have been a risky move, but it made the eat-in kitchen feel more like a balcony in a treehouse, and the natural light truly makes the space feel very comfortable, inviting and a lot bigger than 550 square feet,” says architect Jamie Crawley.
Also on the team: Creative Custom Cabinets; Leonid Furmansky (photography); Paul Martin (structural engineer)
Island: modified Ikea; stools: Ikea; lighting: West Elm
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3. Disguised Dishwasher
Designer: Dawn Whyte of Petoskey Kitchen
Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Homeowners’ request: An open-feeling white kitchen with no wall cabinets.
Storage trick: Panel that looks like a bank of drawers disguises the dishwasher to keep the run of cabinetry from being broken up by a stainless steel appliance.
Designer: Dawn Whyte of Petoskey Kitchen
Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Homeowners’ request: An open-feeling white kitchen with no wall cabinets.
Storage trick: Panel that looks like a bank of drawers disguises the dishwasher to keep the run of cabinetry from being broken up by a stainless steel appliance.
Other special features: Custom walnut table built at counter height functions as an island and dining spot. “This kept the room from feeling crowded with both an island and a separate dining table,” says designer Dawn Whyte. Beaded chandelier. Stained wood open shelves. Pass-through window behind the range. Wood-paneled walls.
Countertops: Carrara marble; range: Heritage series, Bertazzoni
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The 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas on Houzz
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Countertops: Carrara marble; range: Heritage series, Bertazzoni
See more of this kitchen
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The 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas on Houzz
Get inspired: Browse the latest kitchen photos on Houzz
Get started: Find a kitchen designer near you
Designer: Nichola Evans of Nichola Clare Designs
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Size: 161 square feet (15 square meters)
Homeowners’ request: Increase storage and expand the footprint of a small, cramped and dark kitchen without knocking down any walls.
Storage trick: Rolling island that serves as part of the counter when tucked up against the wall and that can be rolled out to function as an island. “The owners wanted an island in the kitchen, but any kind of traditional island would have made the whole kitchen unworkable,” designer Nichola Evans says. “The movable counter and island makes every dream for this space a reality.” The unit is made from a mix of medium-density fiberboard and plywood, with a butcher block top and rubber casters “to save the walnut floors,” Evans says.